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Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving
To know that we belong to Him and that God’s character is unchanging are great reasons to rejoice and worship Him! His faithfulness is not only towards us, but it is also for our children and grandchildren. Below is a passage of scripture to meditate on, and then I have provided a link for another worship song.
As we approach Thanksgiving, there will be many distractions in the next couple of weeks. Let’s make time to reflect on God’s goodness.
Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
My God is Awesome
Sing Unto the Lord a New Song
I feel led by the Lord to spend the next few weeks focusing on praising the Lord. We are approaching the Thanksgiving season, and it is good to prepare our hearts as we get closer. The world is getting darker and the media continues to bombard people with the evil in the world, but we serve a big God! We can make the effort to magnify Him regularly and fight back against doubt, fear, and anxiety. Let’s prepare our hearts for the upcoming holidays. Below is a great psalm to begin with and a link to a song of praise.
Psalm 31 (NIV)
1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.
6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols;
as for me, I trust in the Lord.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
for you saw my affliction
and knew the anguish of my soul.
8 You have not given me into the hands of the enemy
but have set my feet in a spacious place.
9 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and body with grief.
10 My life is consumed by anguish
and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,[b]
and my bones grow weak.
11 Because of all my enemies,
I am the utter contempt of my neighbors
and an object of dread to my closest friends—
those who see me on the street flee from me.
12 I am forgotten as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery.
13 For I hear many whispering,
“Terror on every side!”
They conspire against me
and plot to take my life.
14 But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.
17 Let me not be put to shame, Lord,
for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame
and be silent in the realm of the dead.
18 Let their lying lips be silenced,
for with pride and contempt
they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
19 How abundant are the good things
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
from accusing tongues.
21 Praise be to the Lord,
for he showed me the wonders of his love
when I was in a city under siege.
22 In my alarm I said,
“I am cut off from your sight!”
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when I called to you for help.
23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people!
The Lord preserves those who are true to him,
but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.
Leaving Behind (Part II)
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11
Jesus set the example for us by being baptized in the Jordan River. This was the very river that the Israelites had crossed centuries prior. He showed that the true change does not come from being delivered from Jordan rivers of life. True transformation comes from leaving the past behind by burying it in the Jordan river and rising to the newness of life in Jesus. We have to let go of the past in order to fully walk into God’s purpose for us. We cannot hold on to the past and move forward in God’s purpose.
Some people spend years in counseling trying to reconcile their past. While counseling can be helpful, it cannot eradicate the past or explain it. The truth is that we cannot change the past. We can either continue fight the past, by imprisoned by the past, leave it behind by embracing our new life. Baptism is a spiritual act when we declare before heaven and earth that the our old nature is dead and buried, and we rise in the newness of life.
Have you been water baptized? Are there areas in your past that still have a hold on you? Are you willing to leave them in the Jordan and allow them to die, so you can rise to the newness of life and walk with the Lord in your new identity in Christ? The change manifests when we agree with what the Lord has already accomplished for us!
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Paul had mastered leaving things behind. He could not afford to hold on to the past. He had had a rich heritage that he could be proud of. His past was also full of carnal accomplishments, and it also included the memory of persecuting the people of God. Paul was able to accomplish God’s purpose in his life because he was able to put his past behind.
Leaving Behind (Part I)
Our spiritual journey includes leaving some things behind to reach forward to all that the Lord has for us. Most of us like the new things the Lord wants to do in and through us, but we have a problem letting go of the past. Sometimes a painful past seems preferable to a future promise because it is familiar to us. At other times, we live our lives trying to distance ourselves from the past but not recognizing that we are still bound to the past!
When God led Joshua and the Israelites to cross the Jordan River, they were supposed to move forward and face the giants. While gaining territory on the other side of the Jordan river wasn’t going to be easy, God was about to deliver them from 40 years of wilderness in the desert.
The Israelites had already made some progress by being freed from oppression of Egypt, but God had bigger plans for them. He was training them to be warriors and to take over territories. There was no going back to the old identity. They were only supposed to move forward and live out their new identity as conquerers. The very ones who were homeless for 40 years were about to become land and property owners by taking over territories that God was going to give them. The Israelites needed to move forward as God’s army and depend on His instructions.
So the Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Joshua 7:10-12
The Israelites had a mixture of successes and failures because their obedience was shaky. Conquering territories and acquiring wealth had not changed their view of God and of themselves. Crossing the Jordan river did not change their hearts even though the Lord had brought them to a better place. The Lord planned to provide for them abundantly in the new territories. They didn’t have to steal or deceive. The season of poverty and lack was over, but they saw themselves as poor and acted like orphans.
Have you left the past behind by not allowing it to define your present and the future? Do you see your identity in the light of who you are in Jesus? Sometimes in the process of working so hard to distance ourselves from the past, we remain in bondage to it. We try to argue with our past or prove that we are a different person. Instead, we just need to release it in the name of Jesus and make peace with it.
I will continue with this subject and share about the New Testament experience in the Jordan river that allows us to truly leave things behind.
Godly Security (Part III)
New situations make us very insecure. That’s why it is important to hear the Lord before moving in a certain direction. Joshua was a bold and courageous person. He and Caleb were the only two spies who had the faith to believe they could take over Canaan.
Joshua had an intimate relationship with the Lord, and he before Him in the tabernacle regularly (Exodus 33:11). However, now that Joshua is the leader, things are different. As they were about to cross the Jordan River on their way to Jericho, Joshua needed reassurance.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Joshua was bold and strong , yet, he needed the Lord to remind Him not to be afraid and to be strong and courageous. He was moving into uncharted territories, and it was an insecure place. Joshua’s past successes could not have help him in the new situation. He needed God’s security. He had to rely wholly on the Lord and not allow fear to overtake him. In addition, all the people were looking to his leadership. How could he lead others into the new place if he was afraid and insecure?
Sometimes as leaders we have to walk into unknown places and lead others to where we have never been before. It is so important in those moments to know that we have heard the Lord and that we are being led by Him. Knowing that the Lord is leading us in a certain direction, gives us security in the midst of the unknown.
Our church went through a building crisis a few years ago and there were a number of people who grumbled about the project. Our Pastor continued to say that the Lord had led him in that direction. He felt that we would have to stay put until He comes through for us. While it took a while for the crisis to pass, it did not make our leaders to react or try to save the situation with humanly means. The Lord came through, and we were able to put that situation behind us. Knowing that the Lord had directed us on that path gave Godly security in the midst of much insecurity.
Have you heard the Lord about your situation? As leaders, we need Godly security before we can lead others into a new direction. His leading will give us security in the midst of the journey, and we don’t have to become double-minded or react when things get difficult.
Godly Security (Part II)
Living in an insecure world compels us to look to the one who is strong, mighty, and unshakable. The Lord desires to establish us in His love and walk with us through the journey of life. We also need God’s security when we step into something new.
When God calls us to something bigger than we had imagined, at first, it sounds very exciting. However, the closer we get to what He has called us to do, we begin to feel more insecure. God’s vision will take us to unknown territories and will challenge our security. We need His security to venture out into the new and the unknown.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14: 27-31
Jesus’ disciples were secure in staying close to Jesus, but they had their insecure moments when things changed around them. Peter was a brave man. He was even bold enough to jump out of the boat and walk on water when Jesus called him. However, the magnitude of the situation made him realize that what he was doing was not humanly possible! His natural perception made him fearful, and he began to sink.
The Lord may call us to any number of new things such as; a new ministry, a new relationship, a major move, or a new career. God’s vision will require us to stay very close to the Lord. We need to allow Him to hold our hand in the new situations. I love the fact that Jesus didn’t let Peter sink. Jesus expected greater faith in Peter, but Peter’s little faith did not stop Jesus from rescuing Peter. The Lord knows we are frail, and He is loving and compassionate towards us.
We all desire to follow God’s leading, but sometimes the fear of the unknown or the fear of our inadequacy causes us to stop following His direction. While we may feel insecure, God understands. He is pleased that we are following His direction and have a desire to fulfill His vision. Not only He is not looking down on us, but He is also willing to work with us. He wants to help us and comfort us, so we can continue in the direction He has set before us.
Has the Lord called you out of the boat? Are you hesitating to get out of the boat? Or did you step out of the boat and things seem overwhelming to you? You may feel very insecure but look to the Lord right now. Allow Him to stretch your faith and hold your hand as you step into His plan for your life.
Godly Security (Part I)
Security is the modern buzz word. We hear it in variety of different contexts. Some are trying to help us gain financial security. The politicians advocate for national security. In the age of technology, we are concerned with cyber security and its potential catastrophes.
There is much in our world that causes insecurity. We are encouraged to utilize different methods to increase our level of security. However, if one has all of these securities but does not have Godly security, he/she cannot enjoy all the other earthly securities afforded to them.
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, Ephesians 3:17 (Amplified)
True security comes from being rooted in the love of God. The day we opened our hearts to Jesus, He entered in to take His rightful place in our lives. The seed of faith begins to take root in our hearts, and it establishes us in the love of God. We choose daily to believe God and His love for us, and we ignore the negative self-defeating thoughts and experiences of the past. God’s love is the unshakable security that keeps us grounded.
“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33
When we stay within the boundaries of God’s word, we remain under His protection.We go where the Lord leads us, and we refrain from anything that is not sanctioned by Him. Having security stems from knowing that the Lord is on our side. It takes away our fears and trepidations. We do no have to be suspicious of others or constantly look behind our backs.
When we are secure, we are confident people. We have the courage and boldness to move forward. Past failures don’t keep us shackled to fear, guilt, or shame. We don’t have to argue to prove our point, and we are not distracted by the voices around us. Our focus is on God’s purpose rather man’s opinion.
What causes insecurity in your life? Are people’s behavior your measure of security? Allow the Lord to expose the root of insecurity. Your healing and restoration does not depend on others’ behavior. He is your creator and savior, and He has the power to make you and keep you secure!
Partnering with God (Part III)
The Lord invites us to trust Him and step into His process. This is a divine partnership. Our free choice gives us the opportunity to choose God and follow His voice in every situation. He will not do our part, and He does not want us to do His part.
Partnering with Lord develops and tests our faith. We cannot claim to have faith but hesitate in partnering with Him. We either trust Him and make the effort to take steps in the direction of His leading, or we will remain fearful and doubtful.
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Matthew 25:14-15
The parable of the talents (Matthew 25: 14-28) is a good illustration of partnership with the Lord. Three servants received talents from the Lord. Each person had a choice to use the talents and make them grow or choose not to do anything. They weren’t expected to compare their talents with each other, but they were supposed to use them wisely.
The servants did not pray that God would multiply their talents, but two of them did something about it. They had been given opportunities, and the Lord wasn’t going to make the talents increase without their work. Two of them partnered with God by deciding to put the talents to work, and they were blessed to see their talents double. In addition, the Lord was pleased with their faithfulness and rewarded them for it.
On the other hand, one of them was fearful and doubtful, so he did not partner with Lord and failed to steward the one talent. He just hid the talent, and it did not increase. The opportunities given to the servants were not equal, but they all had the potential to increase. This is an important concept in partnership with the Lord. When we steward the opportunities well, God is pleased, and He even rewards our faithfulness.
Some people feel that life has treated them unfairly. They compare their lives to others and think that others have had more opportunities. This kind of mindset is poisonous and deadly. God did not have sympathy for the servant with one talent because He expected him to use the talent he had. So the Lord took it and gave it to the one with ten talents because he was found faithful in stewarding his talents.
If we don’t steward what God has given us, we fail to partner with Him. Our contentment comes from staying in step with the Lord. When we don’t do our part, we feel ashamed and guilty, which is a playground for the enemy. This leads us to blaming others for our issues.
The Lord does not need our help, but He invites us into a partnership. When we remain faithful to Him, He reveals His promises to us, and we get to know His character at a deeper level!
Partnering with God (Part II)
Moses partnered with the Lord in going to Pharaoh and telling him that God wanted His people out of Egypt. After a series of plagues, the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt, and he guided them by cloud durning the day and by fire at night.
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them.” Numbers 13:1
Now the partnership between the Lord required a greater number of people to believe God and step into faith! Moses sent twelve spies out and only two of them returned with a good report. Because of unbelief, they chose not to cooperate and partner with the Lord, and therefore, they did not enter the land of Canaan for years to come. I wonder if the Lord sent the spies, so they can get excited about the blessings He was about to give them. However, the majority focused on the size of the Canaanites rather than on the power of God to deliver this land into their hands.
